Harm can occur as a result of many factors and differing circumstances. Safety is a global issue in health care and estimates of the size of the problem are staggering. Harm to the patient caused by infections, delays in treatment, medication errors, incorrect treatment and injuries due to devices are some of the topics that fill the literature on patient safety.
A review of the work environment for emeregncy practice highlights the need for staff safety. Certainly the prevention of injury to the caregiver, whatever the cause, is an area for workplace safety interventions.